Dating Mistakes Guys Make

10 Things You HAVE To Do Differently On Your Next Date

If you’ve been single for a while and can’t seem to get past the first date (much less find a girlfriend), then maybe it’s time to stop thinking that all women are “too picky” or “too demanding” and instead take a long, hard look at yourself.

You might think you’re doing the right things and asking the right questions, but as these dating coaches will tell you, you need to start doing things differently if you want to impress a woman. But don’t worry — these dating deal breakers are easily fixable. Try changing up the way you date with these tricks:

Compliment Her

You get there before her, get a spot at the bar, order your first round and when she walks in, you think, “Wow, she’s gorgeous.” But you don’t say it. Thomas Edwards, founder of The Professional Wingman, says this automatically sets the tone of the date. “While this might seem silly, often men will completely disregard the fact that their date spent time to look their best for them,” he says. “A simple ‘You look great’ will go a long way toward getting the date on the right track.”

Don't Be Too Hesitant

If you meet online or were set up by a mutual friend, it’s important to get all when, where, and what time questions over and done with quickly. Too much texting back and forth without solidifying plans — or worse, without offering any suggestions of your own — puts a damper on the date. “If you do this, it makes it easy for women to forget about your date or even worse, flake, because they don’t have anything to look forward to,” Edwards says.

Cut Yourself Off

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If a date’s going great, then you probably want to stick around and have round after round of drinks, right? Wrong, according to Edwards. “I’ve heard from many women that the most unattractive thing to them is a guy who can’t handle his alcohol and slurs his words,” he says. “There’s nothing wrong with throwing one back to ease the nerves, but it’s important to avoid having too many.” Instead of keeping the date going, add a little mystery and ask her for a second date — like dinner, say. That way, you make sure you see her again.

Check Your Phone At The Door

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Let’s make one big promise here: You’ve gone 60 minutes without your phone before and you can do it again. If only for an hour — or until she gets up to go to the bathroom — you can keep your phone in your pocket. Max Kramer from Tripp Advice says too many men give more attention to their data plan than their date. “You should be very present on your date and take the person as a whole,” he says. “If you look at your phone, you’re basically telling her, ‘I’m not totally interested in what’s happening in this very moment.’”

Ask Her Questions

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A date isn’t an open stage for you to tell your life story in a long-winded monologue. Instead, it’s an opportunity to get to know someone who you might just fall in love with. Don’t spend the whole time talking about yourself, these experts advise. Instead, asked pointed questions that really get to who she is — not just questions that open up opportunities for you to talk about yourself.

Show Up On Time (Or Early)

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There’s quite possibly nothing that can piss someone off like sitting at a crowded bar, saving a seat because their date is late. If you make a commitment to be there at a certain time, be there. It’s better to be early than to leave her hanging, thus setting the tone of the whole date that you don’t value her time enough to be prompt.

Had a stressful day at work? Didn’t sleep well last night? Favorite team lost? Whatever happened to put you in a bad mood before your date, leave it at the door. No one wants to go out with someone who gives off cranky, negative vibes.

Save The Intimate Details For Later

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When you feel a connection with someone — and haven’t felt one in a long time — it’s easy to confide. But before you pour your heart out, Edwards suggests really taking time to get to know the girl. Why? Because for some women, sharing intimate details quickly is a red flag for immaturity. “Nothing can ruin the mood more than conversations that rile her up like past relationships, finances, religion or politics,” he says. “Unless there’s something that can make or break a relationship, you can save the more personal stuff for future dates.”

Pick Up The Tab

Call it old-fashioned, but even super independent, successful women can appreciate the gesture of a guy who at least offers to pay for their date. According to Kramer, there’s a responsibility that comes along with asking her out. “It’s necessary to pay for the first date, mainly because you’re probably the one who asked her out and it’s gentlemanlike,” he says.

Go In For The Kiss

You might get turned down, sure, but Kramer says not making a move is worse than attempting a smooch goodnight. “If the date goes well, there’s no harm in leaning in before you part ways,” he says. If she turns away, you’ve missed your shot — leave it at that and say goodbye, but if you don’t at least give it a nod her way, she might think you’re uninterested.